Georgia Explorer

Rooms will be available in Tbilisi from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

The pre-departure meeting will take place this morning at the hotel, after which we will have a city tour including Old Tbilisi. From the Metekhi Church (13th century) overlooking the river Mtkvari to the Narikala Fortress (4th century), one of the oldest fortifications in the city, we’ll also pay a visit to the Sulphur Baths, the synagogue, the Anchiskhati Church (6th century) and Sioni Cathedral (6/7th century). In this cathedral the cross of St. Nino – the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia – is preserved. Afterwards we visit the stunning treasures of the National Museum. All these sights are in close proximity and it’s a pleasant walk.

Today begins with a visit to a local farmers’ market, where you will meet your local culinary hosts. Under their expert guidance you will immerse yourself into the colour and clamour of the fascinating Bazaar. After enjoying shopping and bartering with the locals, you’ll then join your hosts back at their home, where you’ll cook a traditional Georgian meal together. You’ll have the rest of the day to soak up the café culture of Tbilisi, relax and shop. Dinner tonight will be at your own expense.

We enjoy a day exploring the Kakheti province of Georgia, most famously known for its wine growing, great food and superb Caucasus Mountain views. First, we visit Sighnaghi, one of the prettiest towns in Kakheti, with its cobbled streets running between shady squares and historic buildings, which is why it is known as the ‘City of Love’. Lunch today will be with a local family where you can sample delicious homemade Georgian dishes using fresh ingredients from your host's garden. After lunch we visit the village of Vardisubani, where we learn how Georgians make their own wine using quevri (clay vessels) - a UNESCO experience. A short drive takes us to traditional Georgian wine cellar in Kondoli where we have a chance to taste the distinctive natural wine "Zhghia" which is made from the rarest and highest quality Kakhetian grapes, before heading into Telavi for the evening.

This morning we start our journey towards Kazbegi National Park. Our first stop on the route will be the Alaverdi monastery and cathedral, which has a long and rich history as a place of worship. From here, we drive further into the Khevi region, dominated by alpine meadows and mountain passes. Our next visit is to the two fortified churches at Ananuri, beautifully situated on the Jinvali Reservoir, before following the Georgian Military Highway north to our hotel and taking in the stunning views of the Great Caucasus Mountains.

Today we set out on foot from for a three-hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century) located at 2170m. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus on Mt Kazbegi (5047m). If you prefer to skip the hike, local taxis are available. After lunch we drive through the Dariali gorge, taking some time to stop at viewpoints to and admire the impressive mountain views before visiting the spectacular Sno valley. Later this afternoon we visit a local master in Stepantsminda and learn about Georgian 'Teka' - felt-making and have an opportunity to taste some local teas. 

Today we will drive to the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta, where we will visit Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After spending some time here we will then visit the nearby Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), once one of the main points along the Great Silk Road. Our final stop for the day will be the town of Gori, located in the heart of the Kartli region and the birthplace of the most famous Georgian of all time – Josef Stalin.

This morning we will visit the surreal Stalin Museum, his house and private carriage. Afterwards we will drive to Vardzia, a magnificent 12th century cave town carved out of the hillside in the Golden Age of Georgia, and one of Georgia’s highlights. It stretches over half a kilometre and once consisted of almost 3000 caves and was one of the best examples of Georgia’s renaissance. The complex also includes dwellings quarters, refectories, wine cellars, and small hall-type churches, one of which is even hewn out in rock with some stunning 12th century frescoes to admire. Along the way we make a few stops for lunch and a photostop at Khertvisi Fortress. 

We start the day with a drive to Akhaltsikhe where we visit the beautiful citadel of Rabat, a completely restored Ottoman fort with an informative museum. On the way to Kutaisi we make a stop in Borjomi, a quaint little spa town known for its mineral water and sulphur water spring, the perfect place for some lunch. The day finishes is Kutaisi, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Colchis where Jason and his Argonauts came looking for the Golden Fleece. This evening you have some free time and dinner is at your own expense.

We'll have an early start today to visit the Gelati Monastery, home to an impressive collection of frescoes. There is a long drive ahead of us, but it’s worth it as we’ll have magnificent views as we cross the Zagaro Pass. By late afternoon we’ll reach Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe (2200m) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we spend the next few days exploring the remote beauty of Svaneti, we will get the opportunity to stay in family-run accommodation where we can experience the wonders of traditional Georgian hospitality and cuisine, which will surely be one of the major highlights of your trip. Approx 7 hours driving

We’ll take a beautiful morning walk which follows the banks of the Enguri River in the direction Mt. Shkhara and its glacier (320m ascent, 5 hours). Afterwards we return to Ushguli, stopping off to visit the Lamaria church with its 12th century stone defence tower, before driving on to Mestia.

This morning we’ll drive towards the village of Lakhiri village, where we’ll start our day’s walk. We’ll enjoy great views of the Caucasus and especially the two-summit peak of Mt Ushba (4690m) (520m ascent, 650m decent, walking time: 4-5 hours). On our return to Mestia, in the late afternoon, we will have a few hours to explore the town at our own pace before dinner.

This morning we will drive to the Koruldi Lakes, offering stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks. We will then visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography. After lunch, we will take the Zuruldi Cable car to a café where we can relax and enjoy views of the Svaneti. This evening you have some free time, dinner will be at your own expense

Today, we will leave the Svaneti region and head south towards the Black Sea coastal town of Batumi, the capital of the Adjara province. On the way we stop in Zugdidi for lunch and to stretch our legs. On arrival into Batumi take a walk around the charming old town and its narrow streets and squares, in stark contrast to the developing modern part of the city. Tonight we enjoy our final farewell dinner together. Approx 7 hours driving

The tour will end this morning at the hotel.